BANGKOK — Thailand’s immigration bureau on Friday strongly denied reports that its officers harassed foreign tourists transiting through Thai airports to Cambodia, calling the claims “fake news.”
Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron Rimpadee, deputy commissioner and spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau, said the allegations — which appeared in international media and were cited by Cambodian embassies abroad — are impossible because transit passengers never enter Thailand.
“Foreign passengers who transit through Thai airports, particularly Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, to connect onward flights to Cambodia do not enter the Kingdom of Thailand and therefore are not subject to immigration inspection,” Choengron said. Transit passengers remain in airport airside areas and proceed directly to connecting flights.
He characterized the reports as an attempt to spread misinformation and damage Thailand’s tourism industry. The country currently receives 75,000 to 80,000 foreign visitors daily.
Immigration Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyaluck has ordered checkpoints nationwide to deploy adequate staff during the New Year holiday and peak tourism season, according to the bureau.
The agency said it remains committed to maintaining security while providing professional service in line with international standards.
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